Text record planned at gala

A world texting record attempt is expected to attract about 1000 participants at the upcoming Wairarapa College School Gala.

Wairarapa College teacher Richard Wallis said volunteers and their mobile phones were needed to help break the world record for the most people texting simultaneously, at the gala on March 22.

He said the school has joined forces for the attempt with thelowdown.co.nz team, which is a government website that offers information about depression and where to get help for the condition.

The record for the most people sending a text message simultaneously was 677 and was achieved in 2011 by Utah's Pine View High School in the US, Mr Wallis said.

"We are looking, not only to break this record, but to smash it well and truly," Mr Wallis said.

"People can easily take part. All they need is a working cellphone and a donation to get into the school hall," he said.

Prospective participants need to be in the college hall, phone in hand, before 4.30pm, when the attempt is scheduled.

"People should look to arrive early as we are expecting approximately 1000 people to attend this world record attempt."

Kayte Godward, spokeswoman for thelowdown.co.nz, said the website team was excited to be a part of the text bid and hoped that a lot of people would get on board.

"As the website offers a free text service, this fits in well with what we do."